Now I know why no one likes Mitt Romney

It's been said that all the Republican Presidential nominees are actually grudgingly fond of one another -- except for Mitt Romney. They all supposedly hate him. This made me feel sorry for Mitt, because if there's anything in this life I hate, it's bullies. I didn't like the idea of all the candidates ganging up on one.

Then I found out Mitt Romney is a bully himself. And, by my lights, the worst kind. I believe anyone who mistreats a child or an animal is the lowest form of human life. For pets and kids have no power -- they're like corks on the water, going where the waves (or adults) take them. Shame on anyone who would ever mistreat someone smaller and more powerless. I hate that!

Which leads us to ol' Mitt, and a story that's been covered by both The Boston Globe and Time magazine …

While driving his family from Boston to Ontario (a 12 hour drive), Romney put Seamus, the family's setter, in a dog carrier and then attached it to the roof rack. Once they hit the highway, Romney's sons reported a brown liquid running down the back window. Seamus literally had the shit scared out of him. How did Romney react to Seamus' discomfort? He stopped the station wagon, hosed down both dog and car, strapped the poor canine back on the roof rack and kept going.

I'm so disgusted I have nothing more to say on the subject. And for those of you who read this blog regularly, you know that's a rare occurrence.

PS Thanks to Mo for bringing this to my attention in the first place. And yes, that really is Seamus, allowing kittens to use him as a jungle gym. The photo was provided to the Boston Globe by Romney's sister Jane. Seamus looks like he was quite a guy, doesn't he?

I'm in love with him, and he feels fine

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Paul McCartney has reassured his fans that he feels fine and has no medical problems, despite recent reports to the contrary.

In a message posted on his Web site Thursday, the former Beatle said he was puzzled when people started asking him about his health. Then he realized their questions stemmed from a report this month that he had undergone a heart operation.

Sir Paul, 65, said the story was "entirely untrue" and that he was fine. "What happened was, over a year ago during a routine medical examination, there was a minor irregularity which I needed to have tests for and which I have now been assured is completely fine," McCartney said. "The media have only just recently reported an exaggerated version of this."

He added: "I'm happy to say that I feel great and I have passed my most recent medical with flying colors."

Sometimes I think the worst thing about being 50 is that it makes him 65. I simply hate this conversation.

Funny, it doesn't look like the Amityville Horror

My best friend's house, that is. He moved in a year ago. This isn't it, exactly. It's an example of the new homes being built in his neighborhood. Before someone from realtor.com sues me, let me state right here that I'm sure these are all comfortable, beautiful, completely livable homes … if you want and can afford them.

He can do neither.

He and his wife have two daughters and two dogs. A year ago, they moved into a 5BR/5BA home similar to this one. With separate living/sitting rooms, a completed basement that's now a playroom for the girls, and a den with a fireplace that's now his office. The kitchen is state of the art, with a huge marble bay in the middle. They can either dine in there, or in the formal dining room (which I believe also has a fireplace; I know there's another one in there somewhere).

This downpayment for this showplace came from the proceeds of the sale of their old home, and a "generous" birthday gift to his wife from her father. I don't remember who it was, but a wise man once said, "If you take their money, you gotta take their shit." My best friend is learning this all too well.

His wife is sooo happy with their new home. She's never lived in a brand-new home before and she's pleased and proud of what she's doing with both the house and the yard.

My best friend is miserable. He hates his job, and even more, he's hit the wall when it comes to his whole career choice. He just doesn't want to do it anymore.

But guess what! With two kids looking at college and this mortgage payment staring him in the face, he's handcuffed. Ironically, now that he's in his 40s and dreams of doing something else with his life, he can't afford to.

That's why I think of this beautiful, comfortable, completely livable home as The Amityville Horror.

I advise him not to dwell on what he's doing 9-to-5 (or rather 8-to-7), but instead think of everything it affords him. This house … a week in London this spring …  I don't mean it, of course. I want him to chuck it all, walk away from marketing and follow his heart. But I'm alone. I make decisions completely for myself. I don't have to worry about my spouse finally having her dream, or paying for college for two kids.

It's his decision, and he's made it. I support him as best I can. I just wish he was happy.

Friday's Feast #30

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage? Coca Cola Classic. I accept no substitutes.

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work. Photo of me and my best friend at a company softball game, a decal that says: "I will not obsess, I will not obsess, I will not obsess," my pencil cup filled with my beloved sharp pencils with good, sturdy erasers.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are? 7.5. I have no trouble lying by omission to save someone's feelings; on the other hand, I unintentionally blurt a lot of truths which really don't need sharing.

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why? Truth or Consequences, NM. I mean, really!

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down? Not having control of my situation freaks me out completely! Watching my cats calms me down. (Right now, Reynaldo is trying to retrieve the bread bag tie he dropped in my boot. Too cute!)

To whip or your feast, or to find out more about this meme, visit Fridaysfeast.com.